Picnics with friends and families are fun, there is no doubt about that. But, there is an aspect of picnics that in my opinion can be quite scary:food. I am speaking from experience. Face it not everyone is a foodie! Picnic foods don’t need to be scary, especially with this great list of 30+ best…
Side Dishes
Sometimes the best thing about a meal are the side dishes because the possibilities are endless. I have a friend who is cray about side dishes. In this section there is a little bit of everything, although I must confess I want to add more especially with picnic season here.
In the summer I tend to go for the salads, and the lighter fare, while during the colder months I want something that is going to stick to my ribs. If you love salads, then you might enjoy my arugula and pomegranate salad. Looking for something a bit more substantial, then check out the saffron rice with cranberries and almonds.
There are of course a couple of Latin American favorites, but I want you to check things out. So, get going and look up some new and delicious side dishes to add to your menu.
Make one or make them all to transform your dining experience.
Saffron Rice with Dried Cranberries and Almonds
Let’s face it, dried cranberries are just plain delicious Aaaaand healthy too because just 1/4 cup equals 1/2 cup serving of fruit. It goes without saying that they also add great taste and texture to ANY recipe. So, what about those textures? Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ll love the texture varieties in…
Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
Spinach salad for the win Finding new and creative salad recipes with spinach is my ever present quest. One thing that I love to do is incorporating fruits and nuts into my salad greens. I adapted this recipe for spinach salad with pomegranate dressing from a similar Middle Eastern dish that uses cooked spinach. I…
Savory Feta Walnut Scones
Savory scones are a win! I love scones in any way shape (there’s only one shape, really) or form. Savory ones too? Yup, absolutely! Savory feta walnut scones are the perfect afternoon snack, breakfast, or a great addition to the dreaded department meeting. Move over doughnuts! How I discovered this easy scones recipe A few weekends ago…
Cous cous Salad with Dates, Nuts and Apricots
Cous cous salad with dates, nuts, and apricots is a slight twist on a typical Turkish dish from the region of Anatolia(a large region of Turkey). It is an awesome side dish to take to a picnic, or dinner party. The traditional dish uses bulgur wheat, but I felt compelled to improvise when I opened…
Basmati Rice with Apricots and Almonds
A tasty, healthy rice recipe How many basmati rice recipes do you know? I am sure quite a few. Well, here’s a brand new one that is delicious and nutritious as well: Basmati rice with apricots and almonds. This recipe is awesome; it’s actually an adaptation from one of Goya’s recipes. What makes it so…
Arugula Blend Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
Arugula salad will spice up your greens Yes, salads can be EXCITING! This arugula blend salad has dried cherries, dried apricots and feta. I think it ‘s a great balance and contrast of flavors, especially when you drizzle in the pomegranate dressing. Arugula with pomegranate dressing is just what I am needing. The feeding frenzy…
Turkish Orange and Onion Salad
Orange and onion salad is what you’ve been waiting for. This Turkish orange and onion salad is a great addition to any summer menu. It’s light, refreshing, and a nice deviation from the usual greens. Bonus, no heavy or processed dressings. The simple dressing of olive oil, and herbs doesn’t overshadow the sweetness of the…
Easy homemade mayonnaise- Aioli
Move over Hellman’s, here comes aioli! My all time favorite way to eat aioli a dip with fried yuca, but that’s just my Latin American taste. Aioli, an old Provencal word, essentially comes from two words: ail-garlic and oli-oil. Aioli pairs well with broiled fish, potatoes, crab-cakes, and yes French bread also. In Latin American…
Spaetzles- German noodles
What is spaetzle? Spaetzles are a German egg noodle or small dumpling which are simple to make and can be frozen for later use. They are a great complement to a beef, pork roast, chicken, and can be eaten plain. You can toss in some onions sautéed with bacon or serve with an onion soup…
